Fisheries Management Biologist

Fisheries Management Biologist

This position is in the Upper Clark Fork River drainage with towns and cities that include Deer Lodge, Anaconda, and Butte. The area has a history and culture rich in mining and agriculture as well as a outdoor recreation. Primary job duties include survey and inventory of fisheries and habitat, fish stocking and harvest regulation recommendations, protecting habitat through river and stream project review and permitting, and pursuing aquatic habitat enhancement opportunities.

Fisheries are mostly cold-water trout fisheries. Native trout include west slope cutthroat trout and bull trout, and their conservation is a management emphasis. The position's responsibility area includes the Clark Fork River upstream of the confluence of Flint Creek to its headwaters, and all water draining into it including Silver Bow Creek, Warm Springs Creek, and the Little Blackfoot River.

Typical sampling includes boat and backpack electrofishing, gill netting, and genetic sampling and assessments. Ability to learn, critically evaluate, and adopt new information is crucial. In addition to knowledge of fish biology and management, stream permitting and habitat enhancement projects require a working knowledge of hydrology and the ability to evaluate engineering designs as well as to responsibly and fairly administer laws.

Lands include forested mountains managed by state and federal government and private agricultural hay and cattle operations. Restoring the aquatic and terrestrial resources in the area is a focus for the Upper Clark Fork community. FWP is currently investing considerable time and resources into collaborative monitoring, evaluation, and research with other agencies and universities. Effective private landowner, inter-agency, and conservation group collaboration is essential to achieve restoration goals.

Thorough working knowledge of fisheries management principles & techniques of fish sampling methods and equipment, electrofishing and water safety, aquatic research methods & equipment, stream mechanics & habitat management are all important job qualifications. Other important considerations include thorough working knowledge of computer use for data processing, telemetry techniques and analysis, and statistical analysis, skills in writing, speaking and working effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals, groups & agencies.

The ability to operate a wide variety of vehicles, boats, motors, instruments and sampling equipment are needed, as well as the physical ability to do strenuous outdoor work in all weather conditions & locations ranging from valley bottom river and reservoirs to high altitude lakes and streams. A combination of excellent work habits, technical ability, applied knowledge and leadership skills is necessary for effectiveness in this position.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
The knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the duties of this position are usually acquired through a master's degree in Fish and Wildlife Biology, Range Management, Zoology, or Fish and Wildlife Management, Biology or a closely related biological field including completion of a field research project presented in a successfully defended thesis. Equivalent experience is defined as five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a fisheries/wildlife biologist or senior fisheries/wildlife technician, in addition to successful completion of a research effort that includes: literature review and development of a problem statement and or hypothesis for a particular issue.

Development of a detailed study plan or sampling protocol for a field-oriented project based on the above-noted hypothesis. Data collection and the effective management of data with an appropriate application. Interpretation and analysis of data, including a quantitative assessment of that information. Completion of a final report in a peer-reviewed publication or a publication comparable to a refereed journal. If appropriate to the project, formulation of any recommended changes in management prescriptions or actions.

Oral presentation on results of investigation to agency staff and public audiences. If you feel you meet the equivalent experience, please provide a supplemental response in your application that indicates your experience level relative to each point.